27 Jan 2014
The Benefits of a Marquee Wedding
by
Fran @ Hitched
A marquee wedding has been a popular choice for British
couples for as long as I can remember. Marquee weddings can cater for any number
of guests, and whether you put up a marquee in a family garden, the grounds of
a wedding venue or an empty field, you’ll be able to take advantage of the glorious
summer weather (or use the marquee for protection if it starts to downpour).
I recently met Lyn Sanders from Lily-Marie Wedding &
Event Planning in Surrey (www.lily-marie.co.uk). As a wedding planner, she gets asked all the time by her clients for advice on how to choose the right wedding venue. Having held her own wedding in a marquee back in 2013, Lyn favours a marquee, and here are her top tips as to why!

Images credited to Paul Simon Marquees
Location ~ you can choose where you want to site the
marquee, within reason! It gives you the opportunity of holding the event in
your (or a friend’s/family members’) garden which doesn't have to be big; you
can be clever with any use of space.
Flexibility ~ you have the flexibility of layout and size,
so the only restrictions on numbers will be based on what you choose and how
the space is laid out.


Images credited to Paul Simon Marquees
External Style ~ you can choose the style to suite your
theme, from a traditional canvas pole marquee to a contemporary clearspan/frame
tent or even a pagoda or tipi…..the options are endless whatever the season.
Interior ~ a marquee can be your very own blank canvas;
after choosing the structure, you can really put your stamp on it, from an
array of different linings, floorings, furniture, and lighting, so no less
attractive venue carpets, fixtures or fittings to worry about! It is totally
your design from floor to ceiling.

Marquee by Ambassador Marquees
Entertainment ~ create the perfect ambience and atmosphere,
with no venue sound and time restrictions; you can party until you drop (but it
might be polite to warn your neighbours in advance)!
Catering ~ you have total control over what you eat as well
as when and where you dine, and you are not restricted to the venue’s menu
options; create the perfect food and beverage package to suit, from a formal
traditional seated breakfast through to the more relaxed summer hog roast!

Marquee in the garden at Kinnettles Castle
Alcohol ~ again this is a big win over venues; sourcing wine
yourself can not only result in a more interesting selection but the price you
pay will be considerably less than buying from their wine list.
Budget ~ last but certainly not least, taking all the above
into consideration you can have the big day you've always dreamt of without the
high venues costs, with saving across the board from venue hire though to
catering packages allowing you to spend a little extra on the finer detail (or
that dress you've always wanted!).

Marquee wedding at Upper House Hayfield
Click here to contact Lyn Sanders at Lily-Marie if you’re interested in
having her help you plan your own marquee wedding – or view hundreds of marquee
wedding images here!

An image from Lyn Sanders own marquee wedding. Marquee by Alresford Marquees
Are you planning a marquee wedding? Marquee hire suppliers can be found here to help you along the way!
Fran x